Beginning with the high school class of 2025, Stanford University will require all applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. This move, part of a growing trend among a diverse group of colleges and universities, highlights the evolving landscape of college admissions in a post-pandemic world.
Stanford’s decision comes after a few years of “test-optional” policies that were adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Stanford, the return to requiring test scores stems from the belief that “performance on standardized tests is an important predictor of academic performance at Stanford.” This shift reflects a broader reassessment of the role standardized tests play in evaluating applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Stanford joins a number of institutions that have re-established test requirements after initially suspending them during the pandemic. The table below summarizes these developments:
| Category | College |
|---|---|
| Ivy League Schools | Brown University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Yale University |
| Top Private Universities | California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Georgetown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Vanderbilt University, Stanford University |
| Top Public Universities | Florida State University (FSU), Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Purdue University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), University of Wisconsin-Madison |
The Digital SAT and Its Implications
The landscape of standardized testing is also evolving with the introduction of the fully digital SAT. This change, which took effect in the spring of 2024, aims to make the test more accessible and less stressful for students. The College Board believes the digital SAT’s adaptive format and enhanced relevance will better reflect the skills students need for college success.
For prospective students and their families, the implications are clear. As more colleges reintegrate standardized testing into their admissions processes, excelling on the SAT or ACT can significantly enhance an applicant’s profile.
At Bespoke Education, we have been proactive in preparing students to excel in this new testing era. Both our one-on-one tutoring practice and classroom programs use our proprietary technology to offer six homegrown Digital SAT practice tests to build students’ skills and confidence ahead of test day.
